New Delhi [India], April 21 (ANI): The Income Tax Department has uncovered significant discrepancies in the asset declarations of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Debasish Kumar following a series of search and seizure operations conducted on April 17, according to sources.
The probe, centered on allegations of unaccounted income, has led to the seizure of high-value assets and the identification of potential violations of election and customs laws.
During the raids at premises linked to the MLA and his associates, officials recovered luxury assets and cash. Diamond jewelry, gold, and bullion valued at approximately Rs 1.75 crore were seized, while Rs 6 lakh in cash was recovered from a business entity in which the MLA is a partner, sources said.
Preliminary findings indicate a stark contrast between the assets recovered and those disclosed in Kumar’s official election affidavit. Notably, the diamond jewelry and bullion were not listed in prior disclosures. Investigators also observed significant discrepancies in the quantity of gold held compared with what had been declared.
The investigation has also extended to the MLA’s family finances. According to sources, the income reported in the tax returns of Kumar’s spouse appears insufficient to explain the reduction in liabilities reported in earlier financial disclosures.
Authorities are also seeking clarification regarding the sharp increase in the MLA’s net worth since the previous election cycle.
The probe has expanded to include associate Miraj D. Shah, following a legal challenge in which Shah approached the High Court to block the inspection of previously seized items. After resolving the legal hurdle, officials examined gold bullion stored in the department’s strong room, adding further complexity to the case.
Approximately 8.08 kilograms of bullion were found to bear foreign markings. Details have been shared with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence to investigate possible violations of the Customs Act, sources said.
The Income Tax Department has submitted a detailed report of its findings to the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal for further scrutiny related to electoral conduct.
“Notices have been issued seeking the source and ownership of the seized assets. We are also investigating the role of specific associates suspected of facilitating illicit cash transactions and investments,” a source said.
The MLA’s team has not yet issued a formal statement. Meanwhile, the department is revising earlier tax assessments and continuing its investigation into the financial network linked to the TMC leader.
Debasish Kumar is contesting from the Rashbehari constituency in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Polling for the first phase is scheduled for April 23, while the second phase, covering 142 Assembly constituencies, will take place on April 29. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4. (ANI)
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